When the researchers injected the cells into early embryos they found the cells contributed to the development of different organs.

Intruiging, but more work needed

Professor Chris Higgins, the director of the UK's Medical Research Council Clinical Sciences Centre, says the possibility of using the cells as an alternative to embryonic stem cells for therapy is intriguing.

"However, much more research is required before the similarities and differences between these testes cells and embryonic stem cells are understood, and before their potential for use in therapy can be properly assessed," he says.

Dr Stephen Minger, a stem cell biologist at Kings College London, describes the findings as "pretty amazing" but says more research is needed.

"We would need to replicate this in humans, just because it works in a mouse doesn't necessarily mean it will also work in people," he says.